Paul Lipson, From `Fiddler On The Roof'

OBITUARIES

Paul Lipson, who played Tevye in Fiddler on the Roof for more performances than any other actor, died on Wednesday at New York University Hospital. He was 82 and lived in New York City.

For the original 1964 Broadway production of the musical, starring Zero Mostel as Tevye, Mr. Lipson was the understudy for Mostel and played Avram, the bookseller. When Mostel became ill during a matinee performance in Washington on the show's pre-Broadway tour, Mr. Lipson filled in for him, as he would on other occasions.

Later in New York, he moved up to the role of Lazar Wolf, the butcher, and in 1970 took over the role of Tevye (replacing Harry Goz). He was succeeded in the role by Jan Peerce, but returned to it in 1972. At the time, he said that "between me and Tevye there was still some unfinished business."Re-appraising the show in The New York Times, Clive Barnes said: "It has often been rumored that Mr. Lipson was one of the very finest Tevyes, and the rumors now proved abundantly true."

Mr. Lipson was appearing as Tevye when Fiddler gave its 3,225th performance on Broadway in 1972 and became Broadway's longest-running show of its time. He also played the character in revivals of the musical, adding mileage to the role with which he was most identified. By 1980, he had played Tevye more than 2,000 times.